Hand puppets are commonly used in festivals and parades in India due to their portability and ease of manipulation.

The primary function of puppets in festivals and parades is to entertain the audience and create a festive atmosphere.

Dussehra is known for its elaborate puppet shows, particularly in the northern parts of India, where large puppets depicting various characters from the Ramayana are used to enact the story of Rama's victory over Ravana.

Puppets in parades serve multiple purposes, including adding color and vibrancy, representing different cultures and traditions, promoting local businesses and organizations, and raising awareness for social or environmental issues.

Rod puppets are often used in street performances during festivals due to their durability and ability to withstand outdoor conditions.

Puppets contribute to the cultural heritage of a region by preserving traditional stories and legends, promoting local crafts and artisanship, and providing a platform for cultural exchange.

Giant puppets involve the use of large, full-body puppets that are often used in parades and festivals.

Music and sound effects play a crucial role in puppet shows during festivals by enhancing the storytelling, creating a captivating atmosphere, synchronizing the movements of the puppets, and attracting the attention of the audience.

Puppets help in promoting social messages during parades and festivals by presenting messages in a visually appealing and engaging manner, allowing for interactive participation from the audience, and creating a sense of community and shared experience.

Shadow puppets are characterized by the use of flat, two-dimensional puppets that are manipulated behind a screen, creating shadows on the screen.

Puppets contribute to the preservation of traditional art forms in festivals and parades by providing a platform for traditional puppeteers to showcase their skills, encouraging the transmission of traditional puppetry techniques to younger generations, and creating awareness and appreciation for traditional art forms among the audience.

Marionettes involve the use of string or wire controls to manipulate the puppets, allowing for intricate movements and precise control.

Puppets help in promoting cultural diversity during festivals and parades by showcasing different puppetry traditions from various cultures, encouraging collaboration between puppeteers from different backgrounds, and fostering a sense of understanding and appreciation for diverse cultural expressions.

Wayang Kulit is known for its intricate and detailed puppets made from leather or parchment, which are manipulated behind a screen to create shadow plays.

Puppets contribute to the economic development of a region through festivals and parades by attracting tourists and generating revenue for local businesses, creating employment opportunities for puppeteers and artisans, and promoting local crafts and products.